Police veteran named Palm Bay chief

Today on the "News in 90 Seconds," Rob Landers looks at a proposal for higher trash fees, a new grocer coming to Brevard and a new police chief in Palm Bay. Video by Luann Manderville and Rob Landers. Posted July 14, 2017.
Luann Manderville, Rob Landers

Palm Bay has named Jim Rogers its chief of police after a brief interim stint in the position.

Rogers, a 30-year-veteran of the force, will be sworn in at the City Council's Thursday meeting. Outgoing Chief Mark Renkens is retiring Wednesday after he announced last month that he would be leaving.

Renkens served over 27 years with the Palm Bay Police Department.

"It has been an honor to work side-by-side with these men and women as we worked to build trust within our community," Renkens said in a statement.

Rogers had served as deputy chief since 2015. That's also when Renkens became chief.

"Jim really fits the city's commitment to be service-focused and innovative," said City Manager Gregg Lynk, who hired Rogers as chief. "He has experience serving in a variety of roles and is highly analytical but able to relate to people at all levels."

Lynk consulted with the human relations department about advertising the position for a nationwide search, city spokeswoman Karyn Barber said. After talking with council members, Lynk decided Rogers would be best for the job because of positive developments the Police Department had under Renkens while Rogers was second in command, Barber said.

For example, the city's uniform crime rate, which tracks major crimes and is tabulated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, has decreased in Palm Bay the last two years. It dropped 7.9 percent last year and 9 percent in 2015.

Renkens ended his career with PBPD at a $106,000 annual salary. Rogers will start at $97,000 per year.